While the Wolf Park staff's grief at the loss of a former intern, killed by a lion at a center in North Carolina, is undoubtedly genuine, the roadside zoo is putting their own staff at risk. The manager's claim that Wolf Park, in Battle Ground, takes precautions to protect staff from harm is belied by the fact that the roadside zoo encourages close interaction with wolves.

Captive wolves do not lose their wild instincts. Wolves are keenly intelligent pack animals who are almost constantly on the move. They forge very strong social bonds and shun human contact.

Denied everything that is important to them and forced into close contact with humans, stressed and agitated animals frequently lash out. Countless people have suffered devastating injuries, many losing limbs or, like the intern, their lives. Yet when wild animals follow their instincts, it’s usually their death sentence: Most captive animals who cause injury are killed.

Allowing direct contact with wolves and other canids is another disaster waiting to happen.

Brittany Peet

director, captive animal law enforcement

PETA Foundation

Washington, D.C.

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